Villy Custom Bicycles, founded by Fleetwood Hicks, appeared on Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 13. Hicks pitched his business offering fully customizable luxury beach cruiser bicycles that customers can design online, choosing from over a billion possible combinations of colors and parts. He sought $500,000 for 33% equity, valuing the company at around $1.5 million.
Company Name | Villy Custom Bicycles | |
Founder/Co-Founder | Fleetwood Hicks | |
Founded | 2008 | |
Product | Fully customizable fashion cruiser bicycles | |
Asked For | $500k for 33% equity | |
Final Deal | $500k for 42% equity | |
Shark | Mark Cuban & Barbara Corcoran | |
Episode | S3 E13 | |
Air Date | May 4, 2012 | |
Business Status | In Business | |
Website | Visit Website | |
Headquarters | Dallas, Texas, United States | |
Annual (Revenue) | $3.9 million (as of 2024) | |
Worth / Valuation | $10 million | |
Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Business Pitch Episode Recap
Fleetwood Hicks entered the Tank with his dog Deville (the inspiration for the brand name) and showcased his customizable cruiser bikes, which allow customers aged 8 to 80 to design every part of their bike online-from frame color to wheels and accessories. He emphasized the fashion aspect, positioning the bike as a style accessory rather than just transportation.
Prior sales were $129,000 the previous year and $250,000 year-to-date, achieved without advertising after shifting from a brick-and-mortar store to 100% online sales. The average bike sold for $641, with manufacturing costs around $245, including shipping. Sharks expressed mixed reactions: Daymond John liked the design but opted out, Kevin O’Leary questioned the valuation, and Robert Herjavec wanted more proof of product worth.
Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran saw strong potential and teamed up to offer $500,000 for 45% equity. Fleetwood countered with 40%, and they settled at 42%, closing the deal on air.
Sharks Offers List
Sharks | Offers |
---|---|
Barbara Corcoran | Partnered on $500,000 for 42% equity |
Mark Cuban | Partnered on $500,000 for 42% equity |
Daymond John | No Offer |
Robert Herjavec | No Offer |
Kevin O’Leary | No Offer |
Founder’s Counter | No Counter |
Final Deals | $500k for 42% equity |
Villy Custom Bicycles Shark Tank Update
The deal with Mark and Barbara was finalized post-show, and Fleetwood expanded the business significantly. Villy Custom redesigned its website and increased sales to about 100 bikes per week. The company launched corporate bike programs and developed a strong online presence.
As of 2024, Villy Custom generates approximately $3.9 million in annual revenue. The brand remains popular for its unique customization options and fashion-forward designs, serving customers nationwide.
What is Villy Custom Bicycles’s Net Worth?
At the time of the Shark Tank pitch, Villy Custom’s valuation was about $1.5 million. The $500,000 investment for 42% equity valued the company at roughly $1.19 million post-deal. With strong growth and expanded sales, the company’s net worth has increased significantly, supported by $3.9 million in annual revenue as of 2024.